Bruins Rework Roster While Questions Linger Over Underlying Play

Don Sweeney says more transactions remain possible as the club addresses weak 5-on-5 metrics and an early-season McAvoy suspension.

Overview

Boston has added J.J. Peterka, Ivan Ivan and Will Borgen and re-signed Connor Clifton while moving on from Viktor Arvidsson and trading backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo.
Those moves change depth on forward and defense lines but also cost assets and left the team down secondary scoring after Arvidsson departed in free agency.
Analysts highlighted troubling 5-on-5 numbers last season, including a low expected-goal differential and high rates of high-danger chances allowed, that make this roster still a borderline playoff club.
Charlie McAvoy will miss the Bruins’ first six games because of a suspension, a short-term loss that tightens defensive depth and increases early-season risk.
GM Don Sweeney said further roster work is possible and the team will rely on David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman to sustain results while younger additions like James Hagens and Peterka try to translate into on-ice impact.